Friedrich Kuhlau

Three Grands Duos Concertants Op. 87

As often as Ref. has had the opportunity to hear duets by this master, they have again provided the pleasing proof that Mr. K. knows how to work on this difficult musical genre in an exemplary manner; whereby his significant knowledge in the arts of the double contrapunct provide him with the best help to always remain interesting, even after repeated listening. Mr. Kuhlau's melodies are almost always beautiful, often sublime;... Everything is in its right place, for one wishes nothing else for it, and the feeling that is produced by the correct arrangement of the whole is one of the most beautiful in enjoyment. What has been indicated here in general about the value of Kuhlau's flute duets also applies to the present ones, only that these are somewhat more gallant than the earlier ones. The second duet in it, from G minor, will probably become a favorite of the players...

This quotation is part of the first review of op. 87 by Kuhlau, published by Schott in Mainz in 1827. Really - Kuhlau's duets have lost nothing in popularity in more than 170 years.